Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadvertent brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, the airplane touched down on the approach end of the grass airstrip. During the landing roll, he did not realize that his "right foot was resting against the right toe brake." The airplane exited the right side of the airstrip and struck trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing spar and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot did not possess a Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificate. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot, he touched down on the approach end of the grass airstrip. During the landing roll, he did not realize that, his "right foot was resting against the right toe brake." The airplane exited the right side of the airstrip and struck trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing spar and the horizontal stabilizer. The pilot did not possess a Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificate. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.